The Elements of Persuasion Essay Example for Free

The Elements of Persuasion Essay Persuasion cannot be complete without the three main forms of rhetoric (the ethos, logos, and pathos), the basic purpose of the writer or speaker, the approach to the audience, as well as the style of delivery. The word ‘rhetoric’ pertains to â€Å"the art of speaking or writing effectively† (Carl D. Perkins Foundation 2005), and this is fixed in Barack Obama’s 2004 Democratic National Convention Address that was delivered at the Fleet Center of Boston, Massachusetts. With a context centered on Americans hearing the true political mission of the 2004 Democratic Party, the speech’s basic purpose was set mainly on three things: (1) delivering the basic mission and principle of the Democratic Party; (2) persuading voters toward the line of the Democratic Party; and (3) expanding the positive side of Obama and his party for political purposes. He magnificently used the elements of persuasion and influenced millions of American voters by operating the schemes of successful persuasion. Main Body With the speech entitled as ‘The Audacity of Hope’, Obama talks about big dreams and diversity in America through his family background, then about the greatness of America, the beliefs and values of John Kerry, what should be done, the unity of the country, and, lastly, the audacity of hope. In the overall, Obama’s speech can be divided into the following: (1) the greatness of his family line; (2) the greatness of the Americans; (3) the greatness of John Kerry; and (4) unity and hope. He starts with his self, then connects to his family, then to the other Americans, then points to John Kerry for hope and unity. It was organized that way because it points to the literal meaning of ‘unity’ and ‘connection’ that are among his basic themes. It is centered on the argument that, despite war, despair, shattered dreams, and social and economic hardships, there is still the existence of hope, care, and unity, which are what â€Å"makes this country work. It is what allows us to pursue our individual dreams and yet still come together as one American family† (Obama 4). His argument is actually very significant because 21st century has unfolded with national catastrophe, such as wars, economic problems, deficiency of the government’s capacity in truly supporting the needs of the American people†¦ to name only a few. Pertaining to incidents that connect to present occurrences relate to audiences and energize them that, amidst the negativity, there are still much more left that can be the source of American hope and dignity. This talk centered on hope is what Obama could have perceived to be the basic thing Americans would want to hear about. They want to hear why they should trust the Democratic Party, why they should honor the Democratic Party, why they should vote for the Democratic Party. The National Convention Address reflects an audience that need to hear what they most aspire for in their lives. For this reason, Obama used ‘ethos’ that would emotionally touch the hearts of the audience. He established it by, first, trying to convince people that he is no different from the lowly ones and the colored ones (i. e. , his character, sentiments); and, second, by trying to convince people that what he dreams of is no different from what other Americans dream of (i. . , hope, unity, success). This makes the audience feel emotionally attached to the speaker, since what he conveys are things that are personally felt and experienced by the common people in America. As an effect, they are able to relate well to the message that Obama has had for them. As for his logical appeals, Obama made some key points, such as the following: Tonight, we gather to affirm the greatness of our Nation—not because of the height of our skyscrapers, or the power of our military, or the size of our economy. Our pride is based on a very simple premise†¦ that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (Obama 2) This logic appeals to diversity and equality of all men (most precisely the Americans). It points to the right to achieve a sustainable life, as well as happiness and liberty. Another logic is centered on the following lines: â€Å"It is that fundamental belief: I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper that makes this country work. It’s what allows us to pursue our individual dreams and yet still come together as one American family† (Obama 4). This logic conversely appeals to the significance of unity, brotherhood, and how they relate to success and achievement. The two statements appeal to the audience basically because it reminds them that the nation is merely one, and that the greatness of America sprouts from the fact that each one asserts to his brother’s dignity, protection, and custody. Conclusion Rhetorical persuasion refers to delivering a message effectively in order to persuade the audience into acting out a certain decree, deed, or pursuit that would primarily benefit the speaker or writer and, for most of the time, the audience, too, or the reader. Obama’s speech turned out to be really effective to his primary audience basically because the elements of persuasion are arranged in a manner that is apt to its context, its purpose, and its audience. The topics are clear and simple yet captivating, as it captures the heart and soul of those who hear it. Thus, it is evident that writing a persuasive rhetoric does not end up with what the speaker or writer would want to say; it also have something to do with what the audience or readers would want to hear given a specific state of environment. To connect to people, there has to be certain key points or ideas that mentally connect the speaker to the audience through the use of logic, emotion, style, and approach. Thus, the basic purposes are fantastically met.